What's a reserve? Glad you asked

The City of Boise Open Space Reserves are a diverse group of protected properties, each of which represents significant ecological, historical, recreational or cultural value to our community. Together they form strong connections to our natural environment and are worthy of lasting conservation. Simply stated, our open space reserves are the special places we go to reflect, to play, to learn and to live.

The Open Space Reserve Management Plan provides long-term management strategies for open spaces such as Camel’s Back, Hulls Gulch and Military reserves in the City of Boise. The city owns and manages 10 reserves totaling 4,000 acres.

Wellness & Recreation

An active lifestyle is a key component of mental and physical well-being. The 150+ miles of Ridge to Rivers trails and 4,000 acres of City owned open space reserves are amazing for recreational assets. They are also places to experience quiet, get away from City life, take a photo or paint a picture.

Economic Vibrancy

Open space enhances the local economy by drawing visitors, employers and new employees to invest in Boise – from home buying to shopping in restaurants and outdoor retailers and ecotourism businesses. Reserves also improve property values, buffer against wildfires and limit infrastructure costs associated with urban sprawl.

Ecosystem Health

Boise’s open spaces protect important wildlife corridors, waterways and rare plant areas by creating large expanses of intact habitats and ecosystems. This benefits Boise by filtering rain water and maintaining air quality and helping regulate our climate.

Culture, History & Learning

Our open spaces make a significant contribution to our understanding of our past and present. They protect resources such as cultural sites and help strengthen our community’s understanding of the natural world, our heritage and ourselves.

Sense of Place

Boise is a unique collection of natural places adjacent to neighborhoods and communities. As historically Western issues like grassland conservation and water management become global issues, our open spaces give Boise its character and help showcase the vibrant, livable place it is.

Social Connections

Our open spaces are part of our identity, a connection to where we live, work and play. Neighbors meet neighbors, kids can run, dogs greet dogs and we all get a little closer to nature when we interact outdoors. Open spaces help foster these important connections and create a scenic backdrop giving Boise character and charm.

Reserve & Open Space Vision

To ensure Boise's unique places are reserved and managed in a sustainable way so they endure for future generations.

Whether you are a visitor to these reserves, a neighbor, a local business, or another interested individual, you have an opportunity to understand and influence how these vibrant community resources are managed. Here is how the City of Boise Parks and Recreation Department will conduct the process of achieving an Open Space Reserves Management Plan.

Gather Input

Share your thoughts via online surveys, public meetings and in other communications opportunities.

Process Results

All input will be reviewed and considered by Open Space Reserves Management Plan developers.

Review & Publish the Plan

After a final community review, the plan will be finalized and published.